Searching for a Roommate? Keep These Tips in Mind

Trying to find a new roommate can feel like an overwhelming task, particularly when you're starting from scratch. If you're interviewing strangers or near-strangers for the gig, there are a few things you should definitely do before signing an agreement. Here are four steps to help alleviate stress during the roommate search.

  1. Lay out expectations. When looking for a roommate, the best thing you can do your yourself and for candidates is be honest about your expectations. If you're a neat freak, be up front about it. If you expect them to take on half of the household chores, say so. If you prefer not to share food, that should be discussed. This may seem awkward, but it's going to help you find a compatible roommate.
  2. Make sure sleep schedules sync. Another important aspect of amicable roommate situations is having synced up sleep schedules. If your roommate works the night shift and you're on a typical 9-to-5 schedule, he might be blasting the TV when you're trying to sleep (and vice versa). Make sure you have somewhat similar sleep habits to avoid conflict in the future.
  3. Check in on financial history. It's totally reasonable to ask your potential roommate for their credit score or a bank statement in order to make sure that he or she will be able to pay rent each month. This could include doing a quick background check.
  4. Call references. Sometimes the best way to get to know someone is to get to know their former roommates. Ask for a few references and give them a call to find out how this person was as a roommate at their previous apartments. It's a good method for discovering quirks and potential problems.

11 Steps for Choosing the Right Roommate [Life Edited]
Five Tips for Finding a Roommate You’re Compatible With [ForRent.com]
Tips For Finding the Right Roommate [Roomster]

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